Heavy drinking (HD) is a risk factor for HIV transmission and is more common in HIV+ individuals than in the general population. HD adversely affects health directly and reduces adherence to antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), in part due to alcohol-induced cognitive impairment. Reduced drinking improves cognitive performance and adherence to ARTs. Medications approved in the United States to treat alcohol dependence have a small effect size. However, topiramate, FDA-approved as an anticonvulsant and a prophylaxis for migraine, has a greater effect size in reducing drinking and promoting abstinence in alcohol dependent individuals. To date, there are no studies of the effects of topiramate in HIV+ heavy drinkers. The investigators propose to conduct a randomized, parallel-groups, placebo-controlled, 11-week trial of topiramate in 40 HIV+ heavy drinkers who want to reduce or stop their drinking. There are three primary hypotheses for this feasibility and proof-of-concept study. First, the investigators hypothesize that topiramate-treated patients will decrease the frequency of their HD more than placebo-treated patients. Second, based on scores from computerized neurocognitive assessments, the investigators hypothesize that topiramate and placebo groups will show similar performance on a battery of cognitive tests. Third, based on self-reported medication adherence, the investigators hypothesize that adherence to ARTs will be greater in the topiramate group than in the placebo group. These findings will provide preliminary data to support a more definitive trial of topiramate for the treatment of HD in HIV+ heavy drinkers.

Frequency of heavy drinking days per week by medication group [ Time Frame: 11-week study period ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Number of heavy drinking days (>4 drinks for men; >3 drinks for women) for each participant during the study period. Two-level hierarchical linear models will examine the main effect of Medication Group and the Medication Group x Time interaction.

Frequency, type, and severity of adverse effects will be assessed at each study visit to determine the safety of topiramate. These outcomes will be compared for patients receiving TOP or placebo using Chi-squared analysis.

Medical Management (MM; Pettinati, 2004) will support patients' efforts to reduce their drinking. The study nurse makes direct recommendations for reducing drinking to sensible levels. The first session will use the brochure A Guide to Sensible Drinking (WHO 1996). The patient is provided with information about pharmacotherapy and the importance of adherence to topiramate/placebo. Subsequent treatment sessions (15-25 minutes) will be conducted at each study visit, during which the nurse will perform an assessment of the patient's drinking, monitor his/her medication adherence, and make recommendations to follow until the next visit. Men will be advised to consume no more than 2 drinks/day and 8 drinks/week; women will be advised to consume no more than 1 drink/day and 4 drinks/week.

Medical Management (MM; Pettinati, 2004) will support patients' efforts to reduce their drinking. The study nurse makes direct recommendations for reducing drinking to sensible levels. The first session will use the brochure A Guide to Sensible Drinking (WHO 1996). The patient is provided with information about pharmacotherapy and the importance of adherence to topiramate/placebo. Subsequent treatment sessions (15-25 minutes) will be conducted at each study visit, during which the nurse will perform an assessment of the patient's drinking, monitor his/her medication adherence, and make recommendations to follow until the next visit. Men will be advised to consume no more than 2 drinks/day and 8 drinks/week; women will be advised to consume no more than 1 drink/day and 4 drinks/week.

Current diagnosis of drug abuse or dependence (other than nicotine abuse/dependence and cannabis abuse)

Current diagnosis of alcohol dependence (AD) too severe for participation in a trial in which the goal is reduced drinking

Gross cognitive impairment

Glaucoma

Serious/confounding neurological disease (e.g, stroke, seizure)

Pregnancy

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01764685